Portable siphon effect vacuum cleaning device for liquid filled vessels

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a portable siphon effect vacuum cleaning device for the collection and removal of debris from liquid filled vessels. The invention comprises a handle structure to grip and control the invention in combination with at least one priming conduit and associated liquid communication path to direct the flow of liquid and debris to a desired discharge location, where priming conduit includes a suction end, discharge end, and a restricting valve positioned between, and through the action of gripping the handle and pushing and pulling in the axial direction, one can incrementally fill the liquid communication path until a continuous siphon flow of liquid begins, in turn realizing the benefits of creating a continuous flow of liquid to provide a continuous suction effect for continuous collection and expulsion of debris without any need for continual manual or powered pumping of that liquid.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to portable vacuum cleaning devices for liquid filled vessels, more particularly to portable siphon effect vacuum cleaning devices for liquid filled vessels that include water filled spas, hot tubs and swimming pools.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

There are many known portable vacuum cleaning devices that generate suction for cleaning liquid filled vessels, however such known devices either require substantial or continual manual pumping to provide the suction needed for cleaning, such as the Goble U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,101, or ones that require a pressurized liquid supply to generate the suction, such as the Templin U.S. Pat. No. 10,267,536, or alternatively, the use of an unpowered siphon flow of liquid using the liquid within the vessel for the siphon and in turn a suction effect for cleaning as taught in the Lynch U.S. Pat. No. 4,797,206.

The present invention preferably utilizes the unpowered siphoning effect as done by Lynch, however, Lynch teaches that for one to generate the siphon, the operator must first fully immerse the handle structure of the invention as well as a sufficient amount of the downstream liquid communication conduit into the liquid and then fill these elements with enough liquid to enable the initiation of a siphon. With siphon cleaning devices such as these, requiring the submersion and filling of components, difficulty can occur when air becomes trapped within the higher areas of the components being submerged in turn requiring the operator to push, tip and adjust the components in an attempt to force the trapped air out through one of the openings in the device to eventually allow for sufficient filling of the components with a liquid volume sufficient enough to enable the start of a siphon. Then to initiate the siphon, even more difficulty can occur because the operator must now attempt to remove and relocate the discharge end of the downstream liquid communication conduit to the desired or even required discharge location outside the vessel plus at an elevation below liquid level while at the same time retaining the sufficient amount of captured liquid volume within the components to be able to initiate the siphon, all while keeping the suction end fully submerged within the vessel liquid. This can be difficult to perform and can require multiple attempts or even multiple operators to execute, and may be too difficult to accomplish by one limited in flexibility or mobility.

Alternatively, the present invention provides improvements in the setup and in the creation of the siphon flow of liquid. These improvements are achieved through a combination of elements that include at least one priming conduit having a suction end and a discharge end with a restricting valve positioned between those ends in combination with a handle structure to grip and control the invention as well as a communication path to direct the flow of liquid and debris to the final discharge expulsion point. This combination of elements now allows for a single operator to prearrange and setup the final discharge exit point before having to initiate a siphon. This is especially important if the location of the liquid and debris discharge is regulated to a specific location or one must follow a specific discharge control process. After completion of the setup, the same operator can then grip the handle of the invention, submerge the vacuuming end into the liquid, and through the action of pushing and pulling in an axial direction, incrementally fill the liquid communication path until the liquid reaches the highest elevation along the path, in turn beginning a downward flow with the aid of gravity to the final pre-located discharge location, resulting in the initiation of a siphon flow of liquid for use in vacuum cleaning.

Therefore, one object of this invention is to provide a portable siphon effect vacuum cleaning device that is easier to use by a single operator, allowing the operator to setup the discharge location prior to generating the siphon and then providing an easier method to initiate that siphon.

Additionally, to better see debris and better clean liquid filled vessels such as spas and hot tubs that are inherently designed to generate significant turbulence, one must turn off the turbulent flow of water to allow suspended sediment and debris to settle to achieve a thorough cleaning. Unlike spas and hot tubs however, large swimming pools generate significantly less turbulence so one can utilize the pool pump and suction port to provide the suction needed for vacuum cleaning, however many smaller swimming pools, aquariums or other small liquid vessels may not have pumping systems or a system useful in creating suction for cleaning, therefore making the present invention especially useful in vacuum cleaning vessels without usable pump systems. The present invention however is still useful in cleaning larger swimming pools when it is desired to not operate the pool pump system such as during initial seasonal startup when a large amount of debris could quickly overwhelm the filter system.

Therefore yet another object of the invention is to provide the ability to vacuum clean vessels not having pumping systems or ones that might have pumping systems but are not desirable for use at a particular time, as well as allowing an operator to turn off the turbulent pumping systems typical in spas and hot tubs to better allow suspended sediment and debris to settle for a more efficient cleaning.

Still further, additional benefits of this invention can be achieved when one includes connectability at one or both ends of a liquid communication conduit. For example, with the addition of connectability at the discharge end of the priming conduit, the operator might attach a common garden hose for use as the discharge conduit. One could then potentially extend and increase the elevation drop between the liquid level within the vessel and the final liquid discharge point, resulting in, within resistance limits, an effective increase in vacuuming power. One could also increase that length to locate the expulsion of debris to a more desirable or possibly to a regulated location for expulsion. Further still, one might desire to connect a container or other type debris capturing device at the exit point of the discharge conduit to capture debris so not to leave it behind, or to capture lost valuables or other objects deposited within the liquid vessel. Similarly, when providing connectability at the suction end of the priming conduit, one might wish to attach a different vacuum cleaning end device such as a scrub brush attachment to provide for a more aggressive cleaning.

Therefore yet another objective of this invention is to provide the ability to include connectability at the end of any conduit to in turn provide the operator with the ability to attach various type elements, cleaning tools or other devices.

What makes this present invention unique and an improvement over the prior art is the combination of elements that provides for improved operational setup and then in the creation of a siphon which in turn allows for atmospheric pressure acting upon the liquid within the vessel to continually push both liquid and debris up and out of the vessel to a predetermined and prearranged discharge area in turn providing for a continuous vacuum cleaning ability without any need for continual manual pumping or pressurized liquid source or externally powered pumps. When one finishes their vacuum cleaning, one needs only to lift the suction end of the invention out of the liquid to end the process.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides for an improved portable unpowered siphon effect vacuum cleaning device for use in vacuum cleaning liquid filled vessels. The invention allows an operator to pre-locate and prearrange the debris discharge area prior to generating a siphon. The invention comprises a combination of elements that simplifies the manner in which the siphon is generated. The invention enables for continuous vacuum cleaning without any need for continuous manual or powered pumping. The invention provides the ability to vacuum clean a vessel having, or not having a pumping system. The invention allows turbulent pumping systems to be turned off, in turn allowing suspended sediment and debris to settle for a more efficient and thorough cleaning. The invention provides for connectability of various elements such as various vacuum end cleaning devices or various types or lengths of discharge conduit to help increase vacuuming power or to re-locate the debris discharge to a more desired or required location. The present invention allows for attachment of a debris capturing device to prevent unwanted debris from being left behind or for retrieval of lost valuables or other objects that might have been deposited within the liquid filled vessel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Depiction of one possible embodiment of the invention

FIG. 2 Depiction of an alternative embodiment showing several connectible devices and handle options

FIG. 3 Depiction of an alternative embodiment employing the handle structure as a liquid communication conduit

FIG. 4 Depiction of another handle structure to communicate the liquid and without the need of a discharge conduit

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

-   -   1 a. example of a handle structure constructed with the priming         conduit incorporated into the handle structure     -   1 b. a depiction of an adjustable length handle     -   1 c. example of a handle structure used to also communicate         liquid     -   1 d. additional example of a handle structure used to         communicate liquid but without the need of an attached discharge         conduit     -   2 a. example of a priming conduit in combination with a handle         structure having a shaped suction end protrusion     -   2 b. example of an alternative priming conduit, with the priming         conduit attached to the handle structure and having a suction         end device connection adapter     -   3. suction end of a priming conduit     -   4. discharge end of a priming conduit     -   5. depiction of a top hinged swinging disk type restricting         valve     -   6 a. depiction of a shaped suction end incorporated into the         priming conduit     -   6 c. depiction of a shaped suction end incorporated into the         handle structure, with the handle structure also used to         communicate liquid     -   6 d. depiction of another shaped suction end incorporated into         the handle structure used to communicate liquid     -   7. one example of a suction end connection adapter     -   8. depiction of a connectable suction end vacuuming device     -   9. depiction of a connectable suction end scrub brush vacuuming         device     -   10 a. example of a discharge conduit connection adapter     -   10 c. example of another discharge conduit connection adapter     -   11. depiction of a threaded discharge conduit connection adapter         for a garden hose     -   12 a. depiction of a discharge conduit     -   12 c. depiction of another discharge conduit     -   13. depiction of a garden hose for attachment and use as a         discharge conduit     -   14 depiction of a debris capturing device     -   15 depiction of a hand grip     -   16 depiction of a liquid vessel     -   17 depiction of the liquid level within a liquid filled vessel

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION General Configuration:

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the invention depicting a handle structure (1 a) useful in 145 gripping and controlling the invention during operation and further comprising a priming conduit (2 a) with shaped suction end protrusion (6 a) at suction end (3) along with connection adapter (10 a) at discharge end (4) for the connection of a depicted discharge conduit (12 a) and with a restricting valve (5) located between ends (3) and (4) of priming conduit (2 a) for the initiation of a siphon flow of liquid to provide for continuous unpowered vacuum cleaning ability.

FIG. 2 depicts an alternative embodiment of the invention alternatively comprising an adjustable length handle structure (1 b) having hand grip (15) combined with attached priming conduit (2 b) which alternatively includes a connection adapter (7) at suction end (3) for the adaption of various vacuuming and cleaning end devices such as depicted vacuuming end device (8) or scrub brush vacuuming end (9), plus alternatively including a threaded connection adapter (11) at discharge end (4) of priming conduit (2 b) for connection of a depicted garden hose (13) for use as a discharge conduit along with a depicted debris capturing device (14) for capturing debris at the discharge end of garden hose (13), and again with a restricting valve (5) located between suction end (3) and discharge end (4) of priming conduit (2 b) for the initiation of a siphon flow of liquid to provide suction for vacuum cleaning.

FIG. 3 depicts another alternative embodiment of the invention alternatively depicting a handle structure (1 c) configured for multiple use, where handle structure (1 c) is additionally used as the priming conduit where handle (1 c) further provides the start of a liquid flow directional change to begin re-directing the liquid flow towards the downward direction. Handle (1 c) further includes a shaped suction end protrusion (6 c) at suction end (3) and a connection adapter (10 c) at discharge end (4) for the connection of depicted discharge conduit (12 c) with a restricting valve (5) located between ends (3) and (4) of handle structure (1 c) for the initiation of the siphon flow of liquid for vacuum cleaning.

FIG. 4 depicts yet another alternative embodiment of the invention depicting a handle structure (1 d) with shaped suction end protrusion (6 d) again constructed in a manner to allow use of handle structure (1 d) as the priming conduit with restricting valve (5) located between suction end (3) and discharge end (4), however alternatively designed to eliminate the need of a discharge conduit through inclusion of an extended handle length having a length and shape to provide both a directional change in liquid flow from a substantially upward direction to a substantially downward direction and with discharge end (4) located outside liquid vessel (16) and below liquid level (17), to in turn enable a siphon flow of liquid for use in vacuum cleaning.

Construction and Operation:

In each of the figures, variations of handle construction and handle usage are depicted to help emphasize the fact that the present invention can employ various shapes, sizes, as well as various materials when constructing the handle structure, and further allows for configuration of the handle for multiple uses. The handle structure for example can be constructed in a manner depicted in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 where handle structures (1 c) and (1 d) are also used as a priming conduit where the handle structure further includes a suction end (3), a discharge end (4) and a restriction valve (5), in turn using a handle to communicate liquid flow. FIG. 4 further depicts handle structure (1 d) also having an extended handle length and including a directional change to direct the flow of liquid to a final discharge location outside liquid vessel (16) and below liquid level (17), therefore if desired, eliminating the attachment of a discharge conduit. FIG. 1 depicts another configuration of the invention where handle structure (1 a) is constructed in a manner to include a suction end protrusion (6 a) at suction end (3), with priming conduit (2 a) being depicted as constructed in conjunction with handle structure (1 a). Yet another alternative construction method is depicted in FIG. 2, where priming conduit (2 b) might be constructed separately and then retained to the handle structure through use of some common and well-known fastening means such as the depicted clamping method, or alternatively by chemical bonding, welding, use of threaded fasteners, rivets, band clamps or some other preferred fastening means. FIG. 2 also depicts an option to provide an adjustable length handle structure such as depicted by handle (1 b), as well as employment of a gripping element (15) to possibly help the operator better grip the invention in a wet environment. Many common and well knowns means exist for providing elements such as a gripping element on a handle structure, for example by wrapping or fitting or coating the handle structure with a gripping material, and similarly for making a handle adjustable in length. Means for adjusting length might include the use of telescoping sections with possibly a twist lock or detent pins to maintain a selected length, or operator assembly of multiple handle sections, or some other known means to adjust handle length. These or one of one's own design or preference can be used. The invention does not limit the size, shape, or the materials needed as well as the means or manner for constructing or for the use of the handle structure in this invention.

The priming conduit of the invention can also be constructed using a preferred shape, size and material, and can include the use of one or more conduits to communicate liquid. As depicted in each of the figures, the priming conduit includes a suction end (3) a discharge end (4), and a restricting valve (5) located between, where restricting valve (5) restricts the direction of the communication of liquid to a flow direction primarily from suction end (3) to discharge end (4). The restricting valve can be of a common well-known check valve design such as the top hinged swinging disk type check valve as depicted by element (5), or a restricting valve of one's own design, however, a restricting valve within a priming conduit must be capable of opening and closing enough during the action of pushing and pulling the handle structure in an axial direction with suction end (3) and restricting valve (5) submerged in liquid, to provide for incremental filling of the liquid communication path to an elevation along that path where the liquid starts descending with the aid of gravity to the final discharge exit point, in turn initiating the siphon flow of liquid for vacuum cleaning. Orientation of the priming conduit relative to the handle structure as well as the location of the restricting valve within the priming conduit must be considered to ensure incremental filling can occur as described above. One should also consider the size and type of restricting valve use to allow passage of the desired debris size without impeding or stopping flow.

Regarding connectable vacuuming end or scrubbing end cleaning devices, for example depicted elements (8) and (9) in FIG. 2, one can employ any desired shape, size, style or material that one feels might best fit a specific need. The invention encourages construction and use of any preferred style or type cleaning end device. With regard to the connection means, for example depicted threaded suction end connection adapter (7) in FIG. 2, there exist many common and well-known means for connecting suction end devices. The same holds true for connection at the discharge end of the priming conduit to connect, for example, a preferred style or type of discharge conduit. Various means for connection can be employed such as use of a threaded connection adapter as depicted by element (11) in FIG. 2, or a barbed adapter as (10 a) depicts in FIG. 1 or (10 c) depicts in FIG. 3. Examples of alternative connection means might also include, but are not limited to, push-on taper friction fit connections, tapered threaded connectors, chemical bonding, welded connections, clamping, sliding fit with pins or ball detents to lock in place, Velcro, or many others. This invention does not limit one's preference in the type or style or material to use in making connection adapters at any end of any conduit.

Preference in the selection of a preferred discharge conduit is not limited by this invention either. For example, element (12 a) in FIG. 1, element (13) in FIG. 2 and (12 c) in FIG. 3 each depict a flexible hose or tubing type of discharge conduit. One or more discharge conduits can also be used, and of a desired size, shape or material to best fit a specific need can be employed. Attachment of a discharge conduit can be useful in directing the flow of liquid and debris to a desired discharge location. Various common and readily available products such as plastic tubing, rubber hose, garden hose, plastic pipe, etc, might be used for this purpose, however, and well known by those skilled in the art, when selecting for example the size of the discharge conduit, consideration of overall system flow volume and resistance through the communication path must be considered to ensure a sufficient volume of liquid is maintained within the communication path to the point beyond where ambient air could back up from the discharge conduit exit opening and unwantedly stop the siphoning action. Alternatively, one might choose to construct the invention so a discharge conduit is not needed by alternately shaping and extending the length of the priming conduit so as to direct the communicated liquid to a final discharge location both outside of and below vessel liquid level, however, when constructing the invention in this manner, one must still ensure that a sufficient volume of liquid is maintained within the communication path to again prevent ambient air from backing up and stopping the siphon action.

Additional Features:

A debris capturing device such as depicted filter (14) in FIG. 2 could be connected at the final discharge outlet for capturing valuables that were possibly lost within a vessel, or for capturing debris that should not be left behind. Examples of such capturing devices might be a net, filtering cloth, filter bag or perforated container. These are just a few examples of such devices that can be positioned at the final discharge outlet for capturing expelled debris.

CONCLUSION

The present invention can employ a combination of well-known and common elements as well as common and well-known construction techniques used by those skilled in the art. Because of this, the present invention provides for an economical improvement within the field of portable siphon type vacuum cleaning devices for water filled vessels such as hot tubs, spas, and swimming pools but can also be used for the cleaning of other water vessels or vessels containing liquids other than water.

RAMIFICATION AND SCOPE

Although the description of the portable siphon vacuum cleaning device above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as to limit the scope of the present invention, but merely to provide illustrations of some preferred embodiments. Thus the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims below and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given above. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable siphon vacuum cleaning device for the collection and removal of debris from a liquid filled vessel whereby said vacuum cleaning device comprises: a. a handle structure for gripping and controlling the device in combination with at least one priming conduit for the communication of liquid whereby said priming conduit includes a suction end and a discharge end, b. a restricting valve located between said suction end and said discharge end and in a manner that restricts the direction of the communicated liquid flow within said priming conduit to a flow direction primarily from said suction end to said discharge end, c. a protrusion on said suction end in a shape to aid in the vacuuming of debris, and d. a connector on said discharge end to provide for connection of a discharge conduit, whereby when one connects at least one discharge conduit to extend the communication of liquid and debris to a desired exit point outside of and below liquid level, followed by an action of gripping said handle and then pushing and pulling in the axial direction while said suction end and restricting valve are submerged in liquid, one can incrementally fill the communication path until a continuous siphon flow of liquid begins, in turn realizing the benefits of creating a continuous flow of liquid to provide a continuous suction effect for continuous collection and removal of debris from the vessel without any need for continual manual or powered pumping of said liquid.
 2. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 1, further including at least one length of discharge conduit connectable to said discharge end of said priming conduit.
 3. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 1, including a garden hose connector at said discharge end of said priming conduit.
 4. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 1, further including a gripping element on said handle structure.
 5. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 1 including a handle of adjustable length.
 6. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 1, further including a debris capturing device.
 7. A portable siphon vacuum cleaning device for the collection and removal of debris from a liquid filled vessel whereby said vacuum cleaning device comprises: a. a handle structure for gripping and controlling the device in combination with at least one priming conduit for the communication of liquid whereby said priming conduit includes a suction end and a discharge end, b. a restricting valve located between said suction end and said discharge end and in a manner that restricts the direction of the communicated liquid flow within said priming conduit to a flow direction primarily from said suction end to said discharge end, c. a connector on said suction end for attachment of a vacuum cleaning suction end devise, and d. a connector on said discharge end to provide for connection of a discharge conduit, whereby when one connects at least one discharge conduit to extend the communication of liquid and debris to a desired exit point outside of and below liquid level, followed by an action of gripping said handle and then pushing and pulling in the axial direction while said suction end and restricting valve are submerged in liquid, one can incrementally fill the communication path until a continuous siphon flow of liquid begins, in turn realizing the benefits of creating a continuous flow of liquid to provide a continuous suction effect for continuous collection and removal of debris from the vessel without any need for continual manual or powered pumping of said liquid.
 8. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 7, further including at least one length of discharge conduit connectable to said discharge end of said priming conduit.
 9. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 7, further including a vacuum cleaning suction end devise connectable to said suction end of said priming conduit.
 10. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 7, including a garden hose connector at said discharge end of said priming conduit.
 11. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 7, further including a gripping element on said handle structure.
 12. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 7 including a handle of adjustable length.
 13. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 7, further including a debris capturing device.
 14. A portable siphon vacuum cleaning device for the collection and removal of debris from a liquid filled vessel whereby said vacuum cleaning device comprises: a. a handle structure for gripping and controlling the device including at least one priming conduit for the communication of liquid whereby said priming conduit includes a suction end and a discharge end, b. a restricting valve located between said suction end and said discharge end and in a manner that restricts the direction of the communicated liquid flow within said priming conduit to a flow direction primarily from said suction end to said discharge end, c. a protrusion on said suction end in a shape to aid in the vacuuming of debris, and d. a connector on said discharge end to provide for connection of a discharge conduit, whereby said handle structure further provides for the communication of the debris and liquid, and by locating the exit point of the communication path at a location outside of and below liquid level, followed by an action of gripping said handle and then pushing and pulling in the axial direction while said suction end and restricting valve are submerged in liquid, one can incrementally fill the communication path until a continuous siphon flow of liquid begins, in turn realizing the benefits of creating a continuous flow of liquid to provide a continuous suction effect for continuous collection and removal of debris from the vessel without any need for continual manual or powered pumping of said liquid.
 15. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 14, further including a gripping element on said handle structure.
 16. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 14 including a handle of adjustable length.
 17. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 14, including a garden hose connector at said discharge end of said priming conduit.
 18. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 14, further including at least one length of discharge conduit connectable to said discharge end of said priming conduit.
 19. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 14, further including a vacuum cleaning suction end devise connectable to said suction end protrusion of said priming conduit.
 20. The portable vacuum cleaning device of claim 14, further including a debris capturing device. 